Tennis-Venus Williams to make Birmingham debut

Five-times Wimbledon champion Venus Williams will play in the Birmingham grasscourt event later this month after accepting a wildcard. The American, 38, has never played in the competition before but will join French Open champion Ashleigh Barty and world number one Naomi Osaka in the draw as the build-up to Wimbledon continues.

"I'm really excited to be playing in Birmingham for the first time. I always love playing on the grass in front of British crowds and have heard wonderful things about the tournament," the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion said. Czech Petra Kvitova, a double Wimbledon champion, is also playing. Spain's former Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza has withdrawn because of a left leg injury. The tournament runs from June 15-22.